Why Using a Local Agent Matters

You’ve probably spent hours if not days combing through Real Estate web pages fawning over the beautifully staged photos and impressive lists of top end appliances. You've seen houses with lot sizes you never imagined possible and all in your presumed desired neighbourhood right? Quickly, you call the Listing Agent to ask for a tour, which is exactly what the listing is trying to do - sell you a dream. 

Sound about right? 

If you have lived anywhere for a long period of time, you know the area pretty well. If you have kids you know where the parks are, the recreation centres and the best schools.  Now imagine if you walked away from all of that and instantly bought a home in a new neighbourhood simply because you liked house photos? 

What happens if the school is far away?  The parks are non-existent and there is no cross walk to your local recreation centre. The street you chose looked perfectly calm and quiet when you had a tour, but unbeknownst to the listing agent (who doesn’t live in the area) at 4:00pm this street turns into a commuter route used to avoid the main roads, making it unsafe for your kids to play on the sidewalk.  The Listing Agent’s main concern is making the sale and the bottom line, not how busy the street is for your children.

These are subtle nuances that can exist and are why it’s so important to use a Local Real Estate Agent to find your new home.

Local agents know the area and can tell you the best places to take your children to play, where the local train station is or where to buy the best cup of coffee. 

They are invested in your dream because they live there too and it’s their job to see you succeed in your new home. 

Most importantly, for a major purchase like a home they know the true market value of the home you are looking at.  When an agent from out of town is pricing a home and he doesn’t know the area, they assume the value based on the housing market and comparables in the city. Every neighbourhood is different and has a different perceived value. Thus, the house price could be inflated way beyond its actual value and you could chance over paying.

Local agents study the housing market intimately, they know what sold and for how much, and know the difference one street can have to another. They are also more available to you for tours and visits as opposed to an agent that lives out of town.

Once you’ve decided to make such a major move it’s best to do your research first.  Hiring an agent is important. Have the patience to find a local Real Estate Agent and then you are one step closer to a smooth transition and your dream home in your dream neighbourhood.

Looking for a local agent who know the area really well? Contact Greg